w be said in
connection with the material aspect of their immediate task, upon the
termination of which, at its appointed time, must depend not only the
unfoldment of the subsequent stages in the Divine Plan envisaged by
'Abdu'l-Baha, but also the acquisition of those capacities which will
qualify them to discharge, in the fullness of time, the duties and
responsibilities demanded by that greater mission which it is their
privilege to perform.

The Seven Year Plan, with its twofold aspects of Temple ornamentation and
extension of teaching activity, embracing both the Northern and Southern
American continents, is now well advanced into its second year, and offers
to anyone who has observed its progress in recent months signs that are
extremely heartening and which augur well for the attainment of its
objectives within the allotted time. The successive steps designed to
facilitate, and covering the entire field of, the work to be achieved in
connection with the exterior ornamentation of the Temple have for the most
part been taken. The final phase which is to mark the triumphant
conclusion of a thirty-year old enterprise has at long last been entered.
The initial contract connected with the first and main story of that
historic edifice has been signed. The Fund associated with the beloved
name of the Greatest Holy Leaf has been launched. The uninterrupted
continuation to its very end of so laudable an enterprise is now assured.
The poignant memories of one whose heart so greatly rejoiced at the
rearing of the superstructure of this sacred House will so energize the
final exertions required to complete it as to dissipate any doubt that may
yet linger in any mind as to the capacity of its builders to worthily
consummate their task.

The teaching aspect of the Plan must now be pondered. Its challenge must
be met, and its requirements studied, weighed, and fulfilled. Superb and
irresistible as is the beauty of the first Ma_sh_riqu'l-A_dh_kar of the
West, majestic as are its dimensions, unique as is its architecture, and
priceless as are the ideals and the aspirations which it symbolizes, it
should be regarded, at the present time, as no more than an instrument for
a more effective propagation of the Cause and a wider diffusion of its
teachings. In this respect it should be viewed in the same light as the
administrative institutions of the Faith which are designed as vehicles
for the proper dissemination of its ideals, its te